The Gibson Group, Inc.

In 2009 our team-members with The Gibson Group and Computer Wiseguy Technical Solutions spent hundreds of volunteer hours in Zion, IL to build the non-profit Workforce Skills Training Center within a retired High School building in the center of economically desolated neighborhoods.  With funding from the local city/township and the generosity of an endowment from a foundation to cover utilities and basic equipment – this important program got its first chance to ‘make the change’ the community was yearning for. As a result, the Workforce Skills Training Center program has grown to additional regional locations in the past 2-years and runs a 98% success rate for their students.

Our team of business professionals and technology experts helped provide training support and opportunities to the undeserved, unemployed and at-risk youths the necessary skills to embrace technology and become part of the ‘future workforce’.   Many did not have the skills to properly answer a telephone, compose a letter/email, navigate computer operating systems and office related softwares.  After a few shorts lessons, others showed promise with technology and were given opportunities in learning web programming and content management systems, becoming A+ certified as a server and desktop repair technicians and entering a call center environment for their first paycheck in several years since being laid-off in the manufacturing sectors.

We saw first hand the power of professionals with real-world experience being the teachers for those who needed the opportunity and proved they had the desire to learn the most.

Now in 2011, we recognize and support the Elgin Technology Center (ETC) as they seek grants and monies to build a training center within another community facing high unemployment and lack of centralizing of businesses within a historic riverfront city.  We are proud members of the ETC community and look forward to working with their team for setting-up a promising education center for Elgin-area residents to learn from professionals first-hand and bring new skills and vibrancy to our community.

In July, the Elgin Technology Center (a 501c3 non-profit) submitted its official application for a $10,000 empowerment grant from Motorola Mobility. Present in ETC’s conference room Friday July 15 was Grant Writer Michael Murschel, Video Producer Jonathan Palmer and Executive Director Lasse Ingebretsen. ETC will use the grant for the equipment needed in its tech training facility on the 2nd floor of the center – if received.

By the way, the ETC Academy is offering Fall Semester tech classes starting Sept 15, 2011. Enrollment begins Aug. 15th. ETC Academy will also offer a 1-YR Fast-Track Program for Tech Entrepreneurs that qualify – a selective cutting-edge program. Visit the ETC research and training page for more info. 

Learn more about Motorola Mobility Fdn Empowerment Grants

Awarding of grants focuses on Education / Health and Wellness / Community

Motorola Mobility believes people can achieve great things through access to the things that matter to each other and the world around them. They empower people to live their lives in a connected and meaningful way, and have launched the Empowerment Grants program to empower communities across the country through technology.